"This is what heaven must be like," writes a guest who was recently married at Tranquility Bay. "This is a place that strengthens your soul and excites the senses." Another couple states, "We had one of the most beautiful wedding settings any of our guests had ever seen." Watching the sun set over the picturesque coconutpalm- lined beach, or watching the moon rise over the darkening Caribbean Sea, creates an impossibly romantic mood.

Designed by American friends who have long adored Belize, Tranquility Bay weaves in the upscale comforts that sophisticated travelers expect. The beachfront cabanas have been decorated with warm Caribbean decor and are highlighted with Belizean hardwoods and Mexican tiles. The comfy beds feature Simmons Beautyrest mattresses covered with Egyptian cotton linens. You are kept cool with air conditioners and fans. This is roughing it the civilized way.

Now picture getting married in this intimate and romantic hideaway. If desired, you can secure the entire resort for your wedding. Up to 60 people can celebrate and sleep there, and the catering staff -- with the chefs of the property's famous Tackle Box Sea Bar -- can handle another 40 more.

Once your wedding is over, enjoy the white, sandy beach and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Worldclass snorkeling, diving and fishing are at your front door. Tranquility Bay is Ambergris Caye's only resort located inside the Bacalar Chica National Marine Park. 888-THE-CAYE, tranquilitybayresort.com

There's special, and then there's special. In the quiet town of Akumal, Mexico, you can have your destination wedding in a private villa complex. The bride and groom can stay in the main villa, Casa Romero, while guests spread out among four luxury houses and a charming bungalow. All told, the Romero Complex has 12 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms and five swimming pools (including four rooftop pools!). The houses all feature panoramic views, and have housekeeping six days a week.

Wedding ceremonies and receptions can be indoors or out, tented or open-air. You can say your vows on an expansive lawn overlooking the lagoon, with views of a tropical jungle. A palm arch at the end of a straw-mat aisle will frame you as the ceremony is performed. Or if you prefer, have your ceremony at a nearby beach and come back to the complex for the party.

When it's time for dinner and dancing, have an elegant affair for 40 in Casa Romero's Great Room. For larger groups, consider celebrating around the courtyard fountain or on a lagoon-view lawn.

To make the planning easy, the Romero Complex's owners invite you and up to three others for a free wedding-planning vacation (complimentary with wedding party reservations). Meet with caterers, sample local restaurants, get a massage and visit area attractions, plus hook up with bands, DJs, photographers and videographers -- and even a dive master! 215-887- 0744, weddingsakumal.com

There is no better place for your wedding and honeymoon in the Southern Caribbean than Spring House, located on the charming Grenadine island of Bequia.

Following extensive reconstruction, Spring House offers luxury accommodations for up to 16 guests in eight magnificent suites spread over its two landscaped acres. Rebuilt in true colonial style, the house oozes charm. Each air-conditioned suite has locally handcrafted furniture, including four-poster beds that flow in lace.

Choose the all-inclusive plan and really take the work out of enjoying your special occasion. Local flights from Barbados, airport transfers, rental cars, meals, open bar and a full staff from chefs to gardeners to maids are just a few of the items that come with the one-price package.

From flowers to legal documents, from cake to photographer and hairdresser, the wedding service can be as involved or detached as you wish. Spring House employees can organize everything, leave everything to you or do anything in between. Some brides have their hearts set on a beach wedding, some prefer a ceremony at Spring House.

More of a luxury private resort than just a villa, Spring House has a wide range of activities, from a 40-foot designer pool to a full-size pool table.

If you are looking for the perfect wedding destination, good food, wonderful beaches and a calm and friendly atmosphere, this really is the paradise so often sought but rarely found. 617- 275-4820,springhousebequia.com